Vineman Ironman 70.3 - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

My fingers got numb about 3/4 through and I got a stitch in my side from cold, my feet got a little crampy, but nothing serious. This time includes T1 - I guess the mats didn't work out of the water?

I think a rash-guard or some sort of long-sleeved top would help with the cold.

The start on this course is up a narrow driveway from the river to the road, so it's quite difficult to get on the bike, especially if you come up with a wave of racers. I thought it made more sense to take my time and not fall over!

I love this ride. It's so beautiful. I don't so much like the long, flat part across the valley floor, but it's gorgeous terrain.

I decided I didn't want to blow my legs up, so I went nice and easy and enjoyed the ride very much. The volunteers and spectators keep commenting on the big, silly grin I was wearing! I managed to drink about 12 oz of water and a little Accelerade, and to eat a Luna bar before the first aid station (18 miles). I took a full bottle (they were 24 oz, I believe). I got a little teary-eyed going through because it was the first milestone on the race. Silly, I know.

I drank some more Accelerade and finished the second bottle of water before the 2nd aid station (29 miles). I stopped at the toilet and took another bottle. This was the beginning of the climbs.

I drank the rest of the Accelerade, but no more water before T2.

Took my time, stopped at the toilet, had a long drink and poured some water on my shoulders and neck.

It was near 90 when I started, I think, and near 95 when I finished. I tried to smile as much as I could, but it was very uncomfortable out there! I passed Sister Madonna coming back when I was going out around mile 6. She'd just passed my sister near the turnaround. She's my hero (Sister M, that is)!

I started out with a run 4/walk 1 pattern, but it broke down before the turnaround. I walked 3-4 minutes straight up at the top of the run, then switched to a 3/2 pattern, which worked pretty well for the rest of the run. I managed to run up the chute, anyway! Interestingly, I didn't have any pain in my calf. I guess it's mostly a warm-up issue, not an injury.

I just wanted to finish this race, so I wouldn't have done anything differently this time. But, I'll train more for the next one!

Walked and walked and walked.


The heat was a definite issue for me. I would have liked to have been more comfortable running these past few weeks, but it is what it is.


This is a good event, one of the best I've done. A sherpa is a definite bonus for this one because of the remoteness of the start, but it's do-able without one. Or, stay near the start and plan to ride your bike one way or the other.